Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation Annual Christmas Celebration

Our President, Mr Tim Fairfax; Committee Members; Mr Saines; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. It is always a great pleasure for Kaye and me to receive the invitation to attend this marvellous annual event – and an even greater pleasure to be able to join you this year to celebrate GOMA’s tenth birthday.

Since this magnificent building opened in December 2006 with the fifth Asia Pacific Triennial, the gallery has staged three further A.P.T. exhibitions, has passed the ten-million-visitor milestone, and has survived a major flood without damage to a single work of art!

It has been ten magnificent years and tonight we also have the pleasure of revisiting ‘A World View’, the magnificent exhibition of works acquired by the Gallery through the generosity of Tim Fairfax.

In June, I had the privilege of officially opening the first rotation of works. Tonight, the second chapter opens – further evidence, if we needed it, of Tim’s exceptional generosity.

When I opened the first part of ‘A World View’, I noted that twenty-sixteen was the twentieth anniversary of Tim’s first formal involvement with the galleries as a member of the Board of Trustees.

I once again acknowledge that contribution and thank Tim and Gina on behalf of all Queenslanders, as indeed I do to all financial supporters over this past decade – the Foundation and its many generous donors have made a frankly remarkable contribution to the galleries, not only through financial support, but through commitments of time and experience, and also through civic cohesion which is advanced by your generosity.

I also thank the members of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Management Team and gallery staff and volunteers.

Together, they have enabled GOMA to celebrate its tenth birthday in spectacular style.

It will indeed be an exciting summer for GOMA patrons, particularly with the opportunity to see the hundreds of contemporary works in the 'Sugar Spin' exhibition, which Kaye has already seen, having accompanied the spouses of all current Governors on a visit here earlier this month, ahead of an historic dinner for serving State Governors and the Northern Territory Administrator we hosted at Government House.

GOMA – as part of this invigorating cultural precinct – really is a wellspring of pride for all Queenslanders, confirmed very much by the admiration expressed by our esteemed visiting guests who accompanied Kaye.  

As the season of peace and goodwill begins in earnest, please accept Kaye’s and my very best wishes for a relaxing and happy Christmas and a positive and successful New Year.